Acupuncture for Nausea in HIV (AcuN)

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

The subjects in this research study will be 159 men and women with HIV infection who have a history of chronic nausea for three months or greater and show evidence of two or more episodes of nausea and/or report a duration of two hours or more (per day) in baseline symptom diaries. Subjects will be randomized (by chance) to one of three conditions: Condition 1, subjects receive Standard acupuncture (active treatment); Condition 2, subjects receive Individualized acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medical Diagnosis (active treatment); Condition 3, (Control Group), subjects receive Sham acupuncture. Subjects in Conditions 1, 2, & 3 will attend scheduled sessions over 24 weeks.

The subjects in the proposed experiment will be 159 men and women with HIV infection who have a history of chronic nausea for three months or greater and show evidence of two or more episodes of nausea and/or report a duration of 2 hours or greater (per day) in prospective baseline symptom diaries. Subjects will be randomized to one of three experimental intervention conditions: Condition 1, subjects receive Standard acupuncture; Condition 2, subjects receive Individualized acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medical Diagnosis; Condition 3, (Control Group), subjects receive Sham acupuncture. Subjects in Conditions 1, 2, & 3 will attend 16 scheduled sessions over 24 weeks. All subjects will: be assessed by a diagnostic acupuncturist (blinded to treatment assignments); be administered the same instruments; and submit their symptom diaries for data entry and analysis. After a screening/intake session, randomization and treatment sessions will follow. There will be four weeks of twice weekly treatment sessions, four weekly treatment sessions and three follow-up sessions. All conditions will be identical in duration and be administered by licensed acupuncturists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded (subject and evaluator), parallel groups clinical trial aimed at reducing chronic nausea and improving quality of life in persons with HIV/AIDS.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 70 Years (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Men and women HIV positive or CDC AIDS diagnosed

History of chronic nausea for three months or greater

Experience an average of two or more episodes of nausea and/or who experience an average duration of 2 hours or more (of nausea) per day

Verification from Primary provider of subject's: HIV status, knowledge of patient's nausea and their agreement that their patient is clinically suitable for the study.

Individuals able to successfully complete a mini-mental status exam

Individuals who understand and agree to complete daily symptom diaries for the duration of the study.

Individuals taking antiretroviral combinations must have completed an initial 8 weeks of a stable regime (same drug(s), dose & frequency) prior to entry into the study.

Individuals taking anti-emetic medications must be on a stable regime (same drug, dose & frequency) for at least fourteen days prior to entry into the study.

Individuals on all other medications which may have nausea listed as a side effect must be on a stable regime (same drug(s), dose & frequency) for at least fourteen (14) days prior to entry in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals with an acute medical condition, i.e. pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis and or other opportunistic infections or conditions that would require medical attention.

Pregnant women

Individuals receiving acupuncture currently and less than 6 months prior to enrollment.